Hand Drum Lessons & Notation for Djembes, Dununs & Bells

Djembe Rhythms

This site offers tools and insights to help you learn, understand, and play traditional West African drum beats, especially the djembe (jembe) and dunun (dundun) rhythms of Guinea. I share with you what I have learned in over 20 years of study with master drummers and from performance in many drum circles, jams, bands and dance troupes. Whether you are a beginner or experienced hand drummer, you will find resources here to advance your practice to the next level. Enjoy!   

– Nowick Gray

Roots Jam 4 – World Beats – Rhythms Wild!

Drum Lessons, Classes & Tips

Introduction for beginners

Guide to written notation

Free video lessons for beginners

How to tighten your djembe

Tips on djembe soloing

Classes, workshops, tutorials

Study in Guinea, West Africa

About Nowick Gray

… full lesson index

Hand Drum Rhythm Books

Sample excerpts, contents and rhythm index

Roots Jam 1: Collected Rhythms for Hand Drums and Percussion

Roots Jam 2: West African and Afro-Latin Drum Rhythms

Roots Jam 3: Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance

Roots Jam 4: World Beats – Rhythms Wild!

 Order Roots Jam rhythm books

Testimonials

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djembe class in Conakry, Guinea

Save $$ on Roots Jam rhythm books and audio (digital formats) — Order combo bundles direct from this site.

mp3 download
mini-LP, 6 mp3 tracks
world beats
LP, 19 mp3 tracks